Bridging Past and Future: Inside the One West End Redevelopment in Atlanta
The former 1970s-built mall in the West End District is getting a new life. Here's what developers The Prusik Group and BRP Cos. plan.
As one of Atlanta’s most historically rich and culturally vibrant neighborhoods, West End is on the cusp of a transformative redevelopment. The reimagining of the 1973-built Mall West End into One West End is more than just a construction project—it’s a collaborative effort shaped by the voices of the local community.
Built on a 12-acre site, the old mall is set to be demolished and replaced by a mixed-use project following a $450 million investment from developers The Prusik Group and BRP Cos.
With a phased timeline leading up to a 2028 completion target for the first phase, this project aims to preserve the essence of West End while ushering in a new era of opportunity. Plans call for 125,000 square feet of retail, including a grocery store, a fitness center, diverse dining options and local boutiques, as well as approximately 900 mixed-income residences, including affordable and student housing, a 150-key hotel and 12,000 square feet of medical office space.
Commercial Property Executive reached out to BRP Cos. Managing Director Andy Cohen and The Prusik Group Principal Andrew Katz for details about their plans at One West End.
READ ASLO: What’s in Store for Retail in 2025?
This is a massive project with broad implications for the those living in the neighborhood. To what extent have community voices had an influence on this development so far?
Katz: We’ve been collaborating with the local community since day one. Over the past three and a half years, both public and private community members have played a crucial role in the planning process and have been deeply involved at every step. We’ve listened to the community to understand what services are most important to them and, more critically, to identify what’s missing. The invaluable insights and feedback from the community have guided us in shaping a plan that truly reflects their vision.
How do you plan to honor the cultural heritage of Mall West End within the new development?
Cohen: The historic West End of Atlanta is a vibrant neighborhood rich in history and cultural diversity. We’re still in the early stages of our project, with the existing mall closing at the end of January. At this time, the digital time capsule is our first activation for the Mall West End to be honored in the community, but there are certainly many more activations to come down the pipeline in the years ahead. The next activation will be the groundbreaking ceremony.
What will happen with the legacy tenants at the former mall? Are you supporting them in any way?
Katz: Many of these tenants have been integral to the community and the property’s history for decades, fostering relationships with generations of families who shop at their businesses. To ensure these long-standing businesses remain operational during the construction phase, several tenants will be relocated to a temporary onsite space at 850 Oak St.
This allows them to continue serving the community throughout the project’s duration. The tenants relocating include The Burning Sands, Dendera Cosmetics, True Hair and American Deli, while Planet Fitness will remain in its current location during the first phase. All of these businesses will also have the opportunity to move into permanent locations within One West End once it opens.
How will the addition of grocery stores, fitness center and particularly a hotel impact the neighborhood and existing local businesses in the area?
Katz: Once complete, the property will feature approximately 125,000 square feet of retail space, featuring a diverse mix of tenants, including a grocery store, fitness facility, traditional in-line retail, food and beverage options and local boutiques. We also intend to include affordable commercial space designated for qualified small, local businesses. Additionally, the development includes a planned 150-key hotel.
The addition of key anchor businesses, such as grocery stores and fitness centers, is essential to our strategy of driving foot traffic and encouraging visitors to stay and shop, rather than just passing through. Currently, the neighborhood lacks hotels, so visitors are forced to stay downtown or in nearby areas. With the new hotel, visitors will now have the opportunity to stay in West End, supporting local businesses and directly contributing to the community’s economic growth. By introducing grocery and fitness-anchored retail alongside the hotel, we’re creating consistent touchpoints for both residents and visitors. This will ultimately boost foot traffic, foster a lively environment, and enhance the safety, prosperity and overall well-being of businesses and consumers alike.
Tell us more about the residential component of the project. How many of the 900 residences will be dedicated to low-income residents?
Cohen: One West End will feature approximately 900 mixed-income residences, with at least 30 percent of the units available to those earning between 50 percent and 80 percent of the area median income. Situated just steps away from the Atlanta University Center Consortium—the oldest and largest consortium of historically Black colleges and universities in the world—the property will also provide housing options specifically designed for students. Eligibility for housing will be determined based on income qualifications.
Are there any sustainability or green building practices being incorporated into the design of One West End?
Cohen: Yes, while we are in the early stages of the design process, we can confirm that sustainable and green building practices will be integral to this project’s design and construction. Across our portfolio, many of our developments meet green criteria, including LEED certifications, Enterprise Green Communities and other relevant metrics based on building type and location.
Since our inception, we have prioritized developing properties that serve the people who live, work and use these buildings every day. This commitment involves successfully engaging in complex, large-scale public-private partnerships and designing sustainable structures that contribute to a cleaner environment.
READ ALSO: Which Asset Classes Stole the Spotlight in 2024?
Can you provide an update on the project’s timeline and any potential challenges you foresee in meeting the 2028 completion target for the first phase?
Cohen: The redevelopment of the Mall West End will be a multi-year process, with the project team actively engaging residents, legacy business owners and other stakeholders throughout the process. Demolition will begin this year, with phase one completion slated for late 2028, early 2029.
Katz: One of the main challenges we face is the size of the site, which we’re working to reconnect and revitalize. Right now, it’s an outdated mall with a large surface parking lot. Our plan involves reconstructing the street grid, upgrading infrastructure, utilities and more. This project isn’t just about building one structure, it’s about completely rebuilding and reintegrating the site into the surrounding neighborhood, creating a cohesive and connected community within its footprint.
How do you envision One West End evolving over the next decade in relation to the West End community?
Katz: Looking ahead, we see One West End becoming a central hub for the West End community. Right now, the area lacks a true neighborhood center, but our project is designed to fill that gap by connecting AUC students, local residents, businesses and the health-care sector. With additional redevelopments planned for the Mall West End site and improved access to amenities such as grocery stores and fitness centers, One West End will evolve into a vibrant, bustling destination.
Cohen: This project will create a safer, more welcoming neighborhood while instilling a sense of pride in the community. By offering housing and local job opportunities, we aim to ensure that people can live, work and thrive right here. Ultimately, we’re building a more integrated, prosperous community, laying the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for the West End.
You must be logged in to post a comment.